First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)11950 East Reno Midwest City, OK 73130405-769-2717

From Your Senior Minister Search Committee…

The Committee will be scheduling small discussion groups over the next few weeks. Seeking a new minister is about finding the person who best matches our congregation. The more members, participants and visitors we have participating in these discussions the better our committee will understand the hopes an dreams we share here at First Christian Church. As we prepare for these discussions, take time to reflect on the three following questions:

· What are your three most important reasons for attending church?

· What do you personally hope will happen in your life by attending church?

· What services or activities help fulfill these important desires and why?

Please feel free to reach out to a committee member if you have any questions.

Thank you,Becky Searcy, Chair

REFLECTIONS….

…on Epiphanies

Sunday’s scripture was one of my favorite stories. It was from John (2:1-11) the Second Sunday after the Epiphany. In fact, it is another epiphany, this time revealing a miracle of Jesus. The first Epiphany was the visit of the Magi who declare Jesus as the new King or Messiah. The second is the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptizer. The third is the wedding at Canna.

Weddings were communal events, a party lasting up to a week. It was a time of celebration and wine was the drink. The wine was supplied by the Bridegroom and to run out was a tragic embarrassment. So when Mary tells Jesus there is no more wine, she apparently is feeling sad for the couple and embarrassed for them.

We don’t know what Jesus means when he says his time has not yet come, but it is a theme that runs through John. Although this had little to do with Jesus mission, his mother was concerned for the couple. So Jesus set about to do something about it.

What we discover is that the people attending the celebration had little knowledge of what took place in the kitchen. It was the servants who actually knew plain water became wine. The chief steward only knew it was better wine than the first.

Here we are in a government shut-down. Many services we take for granted are not being provided. Like the servants in the kitchen who go about their tasks as directed, we go on day by day not really knowing what everyone does. But now we know they do much. Inspections, services, security are a few of the things fallen by the wayside.

We don’t see what they do until they are no longer doing it. Invisible service is nevertheless service. The welcome smile of an elderly woman who can no longer sing in the choir is still an act of great service to the visitor who feels out of place and alone. Like the servants in the kitchen who gathered the jugs and water, we may never notice but we would notice if they had not followed the instructions of Jesus.

Rev. Larry B. MetzgerInterim Minister

YOUTH

FCC YouthWednesday’s at 6 pmDinner starts at 6 pm and group time at 6:30. Please try to be on time so that you don’t miss anything!

· Be instructed by Pastor Metzger on our serving responsibilities for the 8:30 and 10:45 worship services.

Please contact Bryan Searcy at 620-0341 if you are unable to attend and to receive the meeting handout.

YOUTH SUPER SUBS FUNDRAISERSUNDAY, FEB 3rd

Order forms are in the Narthexor call Bev Rubinoat 426-2685.

Place your order by Friday, February 1st.

$7.50 for Sub, Cookie & Chips!

This year proceeds will go to help Logan Davis attend the International Affairs Seminar over spring break. Thank you for supporting the students of our church!

The Youth group would like to invite all Valentines to attend a Come & Go dinner event Saturday, February 9, with seating beginning at 6:30 pm. Come enjoy a candlelit meal with your sweetheart along with some fantastic music provided by surprise entertainers. You and your Valentine will not want to miss this wonderful opportunity for an evening out and to support the annual youth group mission trip. Tickets are $30 per couple. You can make reservations by calling the church office anytime before Wednesday, February 6th.

YOUTH POTATO LUNCHEON

The Youth sponsored Bake Potato Luncheon will be Sunday, February 27, in the JCAC immediately following 2nd worship service. This is a donation event and proceeds will also help Logan attend IAS over spring break. There will be a potato bar with regular and sweet potatoes, along with all the fixings! If you would be able to help provide a dessert, please reach out to Bev Rubino.

SCOUT SUNDAY

Calling all Scouts! Are you a Boy/Cub/Girl Scout? We’re looking for all the scouts out there in preparation of Scout Sunday. Please let Chris Miller know if you would like to participate.

Planning Ahead to 2019I will be updating the list of members who have keys to the church property. If you currently have keys, please call the church office at 769-2727.

Flowers for Sunday, January 27, are given by Maxine WheelanIn memory of her niece Terri Rouse

2019 Flower Calendar

There are a few dates still open. The 2019 flower calendar is available in the office. The cost is $45 for each Sunday that you select. If possible, please pay for the flowers when you sign the calendar. The flowers are displayed at the entrance to the sanctuary every Sunday. Following worship service, they are delivered to two of our shut ins to enjoy throughout the week.

Please remember, there will be no flowers for dates that are not selected on the calendar.